Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure with IBM Security QRadar EDR
A major European water management facility responsible for supplying clean water to over 3 million residents enhanced its cybersecurity resilience using IBM Security QRadar® EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response). By integrating advanced endpoint protection and AI-driven threat detection, the facility minimized downtime, prevented potential contamination risks, and ensured uninterrupted delivery of essential water services.
Business challenge
The water management facility’s operational technology (OT) systems play a vital role in regulating water purification, pumping, and distribution. However, its reliance on legacy infrastructure made it increasingly vulnerable to malware and ransomware attacks.
The organization needed to:
- Detects and contains cyber threats across IT and OT systems.
- Prevent disruption to automated control systems managing water flow.
- Enable real-time visibility and faster remediation of security incidents.
- Strengthen protection for critical infrastructure in compliance with EU security mandates.
Solution
To fortify its cyber defense, the facility deployed IBM Security QRadar EDR, a robust endpoint detection and remediation platform designed for industrial environments. The solution’s behavioral AI models identified suspicious endpoint activity and initiated automatic remediation within seconds — stopping threats before they could impact operations.
Working closely with IBM Security experts, the facility implemented QRadar EDR across its control networks, achieving seamless integration with existing SCADA and OT systems. The deployment provided full visibility into endpoint behavior, enabling early detection of anomalous activities and automated containment of infected devices.
Solution components
- IBM Security QRadar EDR
- IBM Security QRadar Suite
- AI-Based Threat Detection and Remediation
Rapid Threat Detection
AI-driven behavioral analytics enabled detection of malicious activity within seconds, providing early warning before any system compromise occurred.
Automated Containment and Remediation
QRadar EDR isolated infected endpoints and executed automated cleanup actions without disrupting operational processes or water flow systems.
Industrial Environment Integration
The system was tailored to protect industrial control systems (ICS) and OT environments, ensuring cybersecurity compliance and operational continuity.
Result
- Detected and remediated malware threats within 2 days of deployment.
- Prevented service disruption and ensured 100% operational uptime.
- Reduced mean time to detect (MTTD) to seconds.
- Strengthened infrastructure protection and EU compliance posture.
- Enhanced confidence in critical water supply operations.
IBM Security QRadar EDR gave us the visibility and automation we needed to protect critical operations. The ability to detect, isolate, and remediate threats in real time prevented downtime and safeguarded essential public services.
— Chief Information Security Officer, European Water Management Facility